28 gun salute to obx oldest shipwreck

Has the mystery of the Corolla shipwreck that was revealed by a 2008 storm been solved? The Virginian Pilot’s Jeff Hampton tells the fascinating story of what may be the oldest shipwreck to ever wash ashore on the Outer Banks. “The oldest shipwreck ever found along the North Carolina coast could be a 28-gun British… Continue reading 28 gun salute to obx oldest shipwreck

high speed ferry is ocracoke’s future

It looks like there’s a high-speed ferry in Ocracoke’s future. Jeff Hampton writing for the Virginian-Pilot takes a look at how long lines, falling passenger use and a shoaling inlet have combined to move NCDOT to create a new passenger only route between Ocracoke and Hatteras Village. “Fifteen dollars will eventually buy you a round trip… Continue reading high speed ferry is ocracoke’s future

why tell a lifesaver’s story at an aquarium?

Portrait of the crew of the first all-black US Lifesaving station by local artist James Melvin. Photo courtesy of NC Aquarium

Anyone who loves a good mystery will enjoy this story by Jeff Hampton for The Virginian-Pilot. Who was Richard Etheridge? And why would his grave be at the North Carolina Aquarium site on Roanoke Island? The answers to these questions can be found in the story that follows, and on exhibit at the Aquarium. “The remains of the… Continue reading why tell a lifesaver’s story at an aquarium?

nourished nh beach continues to support life

Answering critics who believe beach nourishment destroys the life found on a beach, a study completed over the summer shows a properly nourished beach, such as Nags Head, is no different than any other beach. Jeff Hampton writing for the Virginian Pilot explains. “When Nags Head replenished its beach three years ago, it wasn’t just… Continue reading nourished nh beach continues to support life

property rights win in obx beach battle

Right or wrong? A court battle pitting the right of property owners to maintain their property against Nags Head and state government’s desire to provide for the safe use of public beaches has been resolved in favor of the property owners. But their neighbors aren’t too happy. Jeff Hampton writing for the Virginian Pilot tells the story.… Continue reading property rights win in obx beach battle

the drum that didn’t get away

Trophy red drum have been showing up on the end of Outer Banks fishing lines in amazing numbers recently. This exciting play by play from Lee Tolliver in the Virginian Pilot tells the story of a day in the life of a fisherman and a giant drum. “Things were surprisingly quiet at the end of Jennette’s… Continue reading the drum that didn’t get away

an obx fall weekend getaway

The wild horses of Corolla are facing extinction.

Fall may be the best time to visit the Outer Banks–just ask any local and they’ll tell you exactly that. The rush of the summer has slowed, the weather is spectacular and there is still lots to do, as Holly Van Auken writing for the Virginian Pilot tells it.   “The BREEZY days of autumn are… Continue reading an obx fall weekend getaway

obx sea bed to be mapped with sonic blasts

Mapping the bottom of our oceans using sonic blasts is the most accurate method found to date, but the approach is controversial with a number of environmental groups raising concerns about its effects on sea life. This article from Jeff Hampton, writing for the Virginian Pilot explores both sides of the issue. “Think of it as a… Continue reading obx sea bed to be mapped with sonic blasts

turtle nests + technology = more open beaches?

Eric Kaplan, founder of the Hatteras Island Ocean Center (the newest environmental center on the Outer Banks), knew turtle nesting behavior had a significant impact on beach driving. As Jeff Hampton reports for the Virginian Pilot, the solution for learning about what’s really happening in the nest may as simple as common household items and an innovative… Continue reading turtle nests + technology = more open beaches?

ncdmv seeking 2nd dare county driver’s license office

NCDMV logo.

Long lines and interminable waits may be a thing of the past at the Dare County driver’s license office in Manteo if a second office is opened. According to this press release from North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles and published in the Virginian Pilot, North Carolina is looking for a second location in the county. “The North… Continue reading ncdmv seeking 2nd dare county driver’s license office